Portable storage shelter

ABSTRACT

A portable storage shelter storing, small vehicles and other items has a base, a support structure, and a shell. The base has a first and a second rail, and a first and second cross bar removably attached between said first and second rails. The support structure comprises a plurality of vertical members slidably received within the rails. The vertical members are each contiguous with shell support means and a second one of said vertical members thereby forming a plurality of substantially U-shaped vertical support members. A means is provided for extendably securing each of the U-shaped support members to one another. Means are provided for attaching the shell to the support structure. U-shaped transitional members are slidably, pivotally attachable to the two rails of the base, thereby permitting the pivotal movement of the shell between an open vertically oriented position and a closed horizontal position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable storage shelterfor containing, storing or protecting motorcycles and ATV's, smallvehicles and other items such as garden equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers, garden furniture, and wood piles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for portable storage shelters which can be used to storemotorcycles and ATV's, small vehicles and other items such as gardenequipment, bicycles, lawn mowers, garden furniture, and wood piles.Conventional storage sheds are usually rigid structures that are builtor assembled on site on permanent basis. They are not usually easilymoved once assembled. They cannot be adjusted in size to accommodatetheir surroundings and contents to be stored. They typically have a doorwhich allows access limited to one side of the shed. Alternatively itemscan be stored outside and wrapped with a cover such as a tarp or plasticsheet. This storage method does not necessarily prevent water leakinginto the cover. Moreover if the item to be stored is a small vehicle ortools or equipment which have motors or engines that heat up when inuse, the item cannot be stored immediately after use, but rather must bepermitted to time to cool before being wrapped in a cover, in order toavoid burning the cover.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable shelterfor storage that is easy to assembly, disassemble and relocate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shelterwhich does not touch the items stored within, so as to avoid the need towait for engines or exhaust systems to cool before storing the items.

It is an object of the present invention to allow the ease of access tothe stored items from three open sides of the shelter.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a shelterwhich can be adjusted in size to accommodate a variety of stored itemsand to adjust to cramped spaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed a storage shelter having an extendable supportstructure such that the storage shelter is adjustable in length.

The storage shelter comprises a base, a support structure attachable tosaid base, and a shell attachable to said support structure. The supportstructure comprises a plurality of support frames extendably secured toone another. Each support frame comprises a pair of vertical members anda shell support means contiguous therewith. A means is provided forextendably securing the vertical members to one another. The means forextendably securing comprises a scissor mechanism being attached to thevertical members. Pairs of the vertical members are contiguous with arespective shell support means forming the plurality of substantiallyU-support frames.

Each vertical member has an attachment means at a bottom end thereof.The attachment means on the vertical members each comprise a caster andfurther comprise an upright roller bushing at a leading edge of thecaster and an upright roller bushing at the trailing edge of the caster.

The base comprises a first and a second rail. A first cross bar may beremovably attached between said first and second rails and a secondcross bar may be removably attached between said first and second rails.A brace may be removably attached between the first and second rails.The support structure comprises a plurality of vertical members, eachvertical member having an attachment means at a bottom end thereof, anda shell support means at the top end thereof. Each of the first andsecond rails is adapted to slidably receive a plurality of theattachment means of the vertical members.

The support structure further comprises a plurality of transitionalmembers each having a shell support means, and two leg portionsextending therefrom. The leg portions of the transitional members areslidably, pivotally attachable to the two rails of the base, therebypermitting the pivotal movement of the shell between an open verticallyoriented position and a closed horizontal position.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedhereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable shelter according to thepresent invention, shown in a full open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable shelter according to thepresent invention, shown in a full closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable shelter according to thepresent invention, shown in a minimum closed position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the portable shelter.

FIG. 5 is and an end view of portable shelter.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the support structure and base of theportable shelter.

FIG. 7A is a longitudinal section through one rail of the base of theportable shelter and showing a partial view of one vertical member ofthe support structure.

FIG. 7B is a cross section of the rail of 7A.

FIG. 8 is a cross section through the rear of one rail of the base ofthe portable shelter and showing a partial view of one vertical memberof the support structure in an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1-6 of the drawings the storage shelter havingaccording to the present invention is shown generally by referencenumeral 10. The storage shelter 10 has a base 12, a support structure 14attachable to said base, and a shell 16 being removably attachable tosaid support structure 14. In FIG. 2, the shell is shown partially cutaway to reveal the support structure 14 inside.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the base 12 comprises a first 18 and a secondrail 20, and a first cross bar 22 removably attached between said firstand second rails and a second cross bar 24 removably attached betweensaid first and second rails. A brace 25 is removably attached betweenthe first 18 and second 20 rails. Each of the rails 18 and 20 haveattachment points for connection to the cross bars. If the storageshelter is to be used as a stand alone portable shelter, the cross bars22,24 and the brace 25 remain connected to the rails 18, 20 to maximizethe overall stability of the shelter. Alternatively, the rails 18, 20can be bolted to a base. Holes are provided in each of the rails tofacilitate bolting to a base such as a concrete pad, garage floor,plywood or other base (not shown). In such instance, the floor bars arenot used.

The support structure 14 comprises a plurality of frame supports 32.Each frame support 32 comprises a pair of vertical members 26, eachvertical member 26 having an attachment means 29 at a bottom endthereof, and a shell support means 28 at the top end thereof. As bestseen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each of the first 18 and second 20 rails isadapted to slidably receive a plurality of the attachment means 29 ofthe vertical members 26. In the preferred embodiment of the invention,the attachment means comprises a caster wheel 31 equipped with twoupright roller bushings 33,35 at the leading and trailing edge, whichact in conjunction with the slot 30 in either floor rails 18, 20 tosteer the sliding mechanism. When the casters 31 are moved in a firstdirection (to close the shelter), the casters are steered by the uprightfront leading bushing that protrudes from the rail slit. In the reversedirection (to open the shelter) the trailing bushing steers the caster.

The rearmost pair of vertical members 26 are screwed in a fixed positioninto a threaded bushing welded into the ends of the rails 18 and 20. Thefixed position of the rear poles provides a stationary anchor from whichthe remaining plurality frame supports 32 extend carrying the shell.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rails 18, 20 each havea slot 30 running longitudinally there through to receive thecomplimentary profile of the attachment means 29 on each vertical member26. Each of the vertical members 26 is contiguous with the respectiveshell support means 28 and a second one of said vertical members 26thereby forming a plurality of support frames 32. The support frames areshown as being substantially U-shaped, but may have other profiles. Ameans is provided for extendably securing each of the support frames toone another. Although a variety of means could be employed forextendably securing the vertical members of the support frames together,and are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention, thedrawings show the use of a scissor mechanism 34 as the means forextendably securing. The length of the shelter 10 can be adjusted tocorrespond to the storage needs of the user. The vertical members 26,which are extendably secured to one another, can be selectivelypositioned at a full extension from one another, or closer together. Byextending or compacting the vertical members 26 which are connected bythe scissor mechanism 34, the length of the shelter can be adjusted.

The structural integrity of the shelter is dramatically increased by thescissor mechanism 34 having a cross member design. Sidewall protectionis also provided by the side cross members. The portable shelter sideand top frame protect items stored from dust, dirt, car door dings oraccidentals dents from things being carried past the storage shelter.

There are a two transitional members 36 each having a shell supportmeans (not shown), and a plurality of leg portions 37 extendingtherefrom. It is preferred that the transitional members besubstantially U-shaped as formed by the plurality of leg portions and arespective plurality of shell support means, though other profiles couldbe used without straying beyond the scope of the present invention. Theleg portions 37 are best seen in FIG. 6. The leg portions 37 are mountedto a carriage 39 so as to be slidably, pivotally attachable to the tworails of the base, thereby permitting the pivotal movement of the shellbetween an open vertically oriented position and a closed horizontalposition.

The shell 16 of the storage shelter can be constructed of rigid ornon-rigid materials. If adapted to use rigid materials, the shell couldbe constructed with rigid components that fold relative to one anotheraccordion style and can be opened out to form the shell.

The shell 16 of the storage shelter is preferably constructed from anon-rigid material. Water-resistance, UV resistance and the ability towithstand fluctuations in temperature are desirable characteristics whenselecting a material for the shell. All though the following list is notintended to be limiting, the shell 16 may be constructed from a materialselected from the group comprising canvas, nylon, pvc, polyethylenefilm, woven synthetic fibre material such as that available under thetrade-mark KEVLAR™, and nylon, polyethylene PVC backed canvas. The mostpreferable material for the shell is polyethylene PVC backed canvas. Theshell may be equipped with side vents, to provide adequate aircirculation to prevent build up of mold and mildew in the storageshelter.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shell isattached to the structure by tabs of hook and loop fastener. Otherattachment means could be used. For example, screws could be used toattached the shell to the vertical support members of the supportstructure. Alternatively, pockets could be formed on the inner surfaceof the shell and then the vertical support members looped through thepockets. The selection of appropriate attachment means should be madehaving regard to the material from which the shell is constructed.

In a further alternative embodiment, the shell could be suspended fromand positioned inside the support structure.

The base 12 and support structure 14 of the storage shelter 10 arepreferably constructed from a strong, rigid, lightweight material. Thebase and support structure could be constructed from a material selectedfrom the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber material,extruded plastic rail, and fiberglass rod. Heavy gage steel tubingrepresents a far greater overall strength when compared to aluminumconstruction of the same size, and is the preferred material for formingthe base and support structure of the storage shelter. The rigidity ofthe frame allows it to withstand severe outdoor conditions.

In the embodiment shown, the storage shelter when fully extended reaches11 feet in length offering huge interior capabilities. The shelter 10can be closed before its full length travel to allow for minimal floorspace requirements. Thus the size of any given storage shelter can bevaried by a user to suit the particular storage needs and floor space.It is not intended to limit the present invention to a particular set ofdimensions. The number of attachment means and vertical members can beselected based upon a determination of the desired length of the overallportable shelter, and the dimensions of the shell can be varied.Accordingly, the shelter can be manufactured with dimensions to suit thenature of the items to be stored therein. It is anticipated that presentinvention could be adapted to store very long and very large items, inapplications going far beyond what might be needed for small vehicles orlawn and garden equipment.

To operate the storage shelter, the first support frame (from eitherend) is lifted up from the ground high enough to clear the lock tabs,and evenly pushed back. The shell, being attached to the support frames32, is also pushed back. The process is continued until the shell isfully extended. Two holding straps, one at each side of the opening, areprovided, and can be clipped onto the last of the vertical members 26and the last of the folding poles. The last folding poles are held fast,and the support frames are pulled evenly clearing the contents of thestorage shelter. Just before reaching the end of the travel, “kick up”the folding pole to clear the lock tabs. The process is reversed toclose the unit. The opening and closing of the shelter may be performedmanually or performed mechanically by the use of motors or devices(electric, pneumatic, hydraulic etc) and could be remotely activated byuse of a garage style remote control unit

The storage shelter, when closing, blocks the unit in its fully closedposition, preventing it from sliding back under tension, thus assuring afirm fit of the cover. The guide rail principle offers a more secureenclosure which can be bolted directly to any flat surface. The storageshelter in its closed position can be manually locked to ensure a secureenclosure. Left or right hand locking feature is standard on the unit,allowing the storage shelter the capability of being installed on a leftor right wall, the back being upright tight against a rear wall or freestanding in an open area.

The assembly of the storage shelter according to the present inventionis simplified by the use of sub-assemblies comprising vertical members26 and elements of the scissor mechanism.

Optionally in an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8, a rearassembly may be provided having a pair of removably insertable rearbrackets 40. The insertable rear brackets 40 provide an anchoringfunction, but without the need to screw the rearmost pair of verticalmembers 26 in a fixed position into a threaded bushing welded into theends of the rails 18 and 20. In this embodiment, the rear brackets 40are attached to each corresponding rails 18, 20 by means of jam nuts 42and a bolts 44. The rear brackets (and each of the plurality ofattachment means 29 positioned forward thereof) are locked into therails 18, 20. After the initial assembly of the storage shelter, a usercan dismantle the storage shelter by simply loosening two jam nuts 42,removing two bolts 44 and kicking out the complete frame work and canvascover from the rails as one unit. The shelter can then be transported asa support structure with attached shell and then reinserted into therails at a new location.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications of thestorage shelter of the present invention may be adopted withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention. For example theshell could be formed from slidably engaged segments of rigid materialsuch as fiberglass or plastic, instead of a non rigid material. Thus,changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of the variousparts and elements, described herein without departing from the spiritand scope of this invention. It will be apparent that the scope of thepresent invention is limited only by the claims set out hereinbelow.

1. A storage shelter having an extendable support structure such thatthe storage shelter is adjustable in length.
 2. The storage shelter ofclaim 1 comprising a base, a support structure attachable to said base,and a shell attachable to said support structure.
 3. The storage shelterof claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality ofsupport frames extendably secured to one another.
 4. The storage shelterof claim 3, wherein each support frame comprises a pair of verticalmembers and a shell support means contiguous therewith.
 5. The storageshelter of claim 4 each vertical member having an attachment means at abottom end thereof.
 6. The storage shelter of claim 5, furthercomprising a means for extendably securing vertical members to oneanother.
 7. The storage shelter of claim 6, wherein the means forextendably securing comprises a scissor mechanism being attached to thevertical members.
 8. The storage shelter of claim 7 wherein the supportframes are substantially U-shaped.
 9. The storage shelter of claim 5,wherein the base comprises a first and a second rail.
 10. The storageshelter of claim 9, wherein each of said first and second rails isadapted to slidably receive the plurality of the attachment means of thevertical members.
 11. The storage shelter of claim 10, wherein each ofthe attachment means comprise a caster.
 12. The storage shelter of claim11, wherein the attachment means further comprise an upright rollerbushing at a leading edge of the caster and an upright roller bushing atthe trailing edge of the caster.
 13. The storage shelter of claim 12,further comprising a two transitional members each having a shellsupport means, and a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. 14.The storage shelter of claim 13, wherein the leg portions of thetransitional members are slidably, pivotally attachable to the two railsof the base, thereby permitting the pivotal movement of the shellbetween an open vertically oriented open position and a closedhorizontal position.
 15. The storage shelter of claim 14, wherein thebase further comprises a first cross bar removably attached between saidfirst and second rails and a second cross bar removably attached betweensaid first and second rails.
 16. The storage shelter of claim 14,wherein said base further comprises a brace removably attached betweensaid first and second rails.
 17. The storage shelter of claim 2, whereinthe shell is constructed from a rigid material.
 18. The storage shelterof claim 2, wherein the shell is constructed from a non-rigid material.19. The storage shelter of claim 15, wherein the shell is constructedfrom a material selected from the group consisting of canvas, nylon,pvc, polyethylene film, synthetic fibre material, and nylon PVC backedcanvas.
 20. The storage shelter of claim 2, wherein the base isconstructed from a material selected from group consisting of aluminum,and steel, carbon fiber material, extruded plastic rail, and fiber glassrod.
 21. The storage shelter of claim 2, wherein the support structureis constructed from a material selected from the group consisting ofaluminum, and steel, carbon fiber material, extruded plastic rail, andfiberglass rod.
 22. The storage shelter of claim 14 further comprising arear assembly having a pair of rear brackets removably insertable intoand attachable to the rails.